Replace my Cygolite Metro 550 batteries or go for new lights?

[Veloo]

"Dilemma".

My Cygolite Metro 550 is no longer holding a charge after about 10 years of reliable service. This is the model you have to send in to get the battery replaced.
Quote from March of this year for new battery is $20 USD each. Shipping back to me would be $15 USD.
I'm guessing at least $20 CAD to ship the two lights I have down south for the replacement.

So let's say about $100 CAD to get new batteries for two 550 lumen lights.

There is a video on how to replace the battery and looks like MEC carries the battery mentioned which would be about $60-ish for two of them. I'd have to go buy some wires, flux, maybe some solder.

So wondering, do I spend on shipping down the lights and let Cygolite do the replacement?
Keeps things kind of convenient since I have the mounts set up on the bikes and also a helmet mount.
Keeps a functional electronic device out of landfill.
550 lumens seems to be sufficient for the commuting that I have been using them for. Some folks in the line of fire have been quite annoyed by the 550 lumens.

Or after 10 years, has light technology come a long way and it's time to let these rest in peace?
More lumens better? 550 is dinosaur lumens now?

I'm very much a DIYer but for the small difference in cost, I'm just not up for a soldering job.

[AngryScientist]

10 years of service out of a light is pretty outstanding, IMO. Mine usually die of water ingress or a switch breaking or something like that.

If it was literally a couple of dollars to replace the batteries, I would say, absolutely, go for it; but since it will cost you a substantial sum, I'd say just move on and buy some new lights.

I will say I do appreciate your posts over the years and your spirit of keeping equipment with usable service life alive and working. Fight the throw-away culture we have. It's important and a good way to live. For small electronics like this, I think you've gotten your money's worth though, and it's more sensible to just start over after a decade.

[Wunder]

FWIW I have a pair of Cygolite Metro 400s that are also a decade old and still work fine. Battery life has probably degraded some but still seem adequate. These are now on my kids bikes. Based on the years of service and cost/hassle to replace the batteries I wouldn't do it.

You can get an 800 Lumen cygolite for $49 today ($38 if you select the used acceptable option). I have a 650 cygolite and it has a little beam diffuser as well that improved the beam usability compared to the Metro 400s.

The ten year old cygolites also still use mini USB which is a pain.

[Carbonita]

A buddy gave me an old cygolite, similar to yours, and the cell was a common 18650. I source cells from a USA site for quality control, around 10$US . Cygolite has solid construction, and is easily repaired.

[KonaSS]

I wouldn't. I would go to Amazon and search for Ceco bike lights. Supposedly out of the same factory as Cygolite and a bit cheaper. I love the two I have.

[the fly]

Agree -- you've gotten a nice life out of your Cygolite.

In case it helps anyone, I purchased an ~$80 Cygolite Metro on Amazon. After about 9 mos, it started blinking a low charge warning after only 5 mins. The replacement they sent me started doing the same after only a few uses.

They pointed out that it may have been my USB charger all along. Different chargers have different current ratings and apparently lower is better for these batteries.

[mtbmoose]

With so many new 700-1000 lumen lights now available for under $50, I think buying new makes more sense than refurbishing your lower power lights for the same money. Watch for Black Friday deals and I’m sure you’ll score a great new powerful light at a killer price.